Value

Honda:The Honda CR-V is $390 cheaper than the CX-5 in manual form, yet that difference shrinks to just $90 when both cars are equipped with automatic transmissions (as tested).

Honda scores points for fitting alloy wheels to the CR-V, while the Mazda makes do with steel wheels that look more at home on a boat trailer than a new SUV. The Honda also has an alloy full-size spare wheel, while Mazda provides a narrow space-saver. Metallic paint is free on the CR-V, which also has cruise control, Bluetooth audio streaming and a reversing camera fitted as standard.

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Mazda:The CX-5 gives the Honda a small head-start in the value stakes, and Mazda's normally advantageous free metallic paint policy is negated when compared with the CR-V. But Mazda gains ground by charging less for an optional six-speed auto than Honda does for a five-speed unit.

The Mazda has cruise control, Bluetooth and a reversing camera, too, but it scores points over the Honda with an extra power outlet in the cargo area, a colour touch-screen display and standard tyre pressure monitors.

Winner: Mazda.

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Inside

Honda: The CR-V feels classier than the CX-5 with nicer details and some clever packaging. Both cars have five-star safety ratings, with front and side airbags along with full-length curtain airbags to protect back-seat occupants.

Mazda: The entry-level CX-5 is compromised by some cheap touches such as mechanical rotary knobs for the air-conditioning controls. But it has a smart keyless system with push-button start, and its colour touch-screen display is a rarity in cars priced under $30,000. Like CR-V, the CX-5 has a five-star safety rating along with curtain airbags front and rear.

Winner: Honda.

Engine

Honda: Honda was once renowned as an innovator and the builder of the world's best four-cylinder petrol engines, but that's not the case anymore. The CR-V lacks the direct injection and stop-start technology that helps the Mazda, firstly, to generate more torque and, secondly, to have better fuel economy. The five-speed auto is not a bad gadget, but an extra ratio would help. And the base 2.0-litre CR-V misses out on the paddle shifters used in more powerful models, such as the 4WD VTi-L.

Mazda: The CX-5's engine feels stronger than the Honda's motor, which has to be revved harder to match the Mazda's energy. The CX-5 uses 20 per cent less fuel than the CR-V, and has a sixth gear in the transmission to help lower fuel consumption. Its clever Skyactiv technologies, with stop-start and power-saving electric features, make the Mazda both meaner and greener than the CR-V.

Winner: Mazda.

How it drives

Honda: The Honda's engine feels a touch smoother than Mazda's take on the 2.0-litre four-cylinder theme, and it encourages drivers to have smooth inputs by rewarding efficient driving with green ambient lighting on the dash. Yet the Honda doesn't steer as nicely as the Mazda, with more pronounced body-roll that makes it feel more like a 4WD than a light car. The foot-operated parking brake also feels like a relic.

Mazda: Despite the Mazda being both longer and wider than the CR-V, it is 13 kilograms lighter and feels more nimble on its feet. The CX-5's wheels are pushed closer to the corners of the chassis, helping to give it a more car-like driving experience. The CR-V doesn't threaten Mazda's position as dynamic leader in the compact SUV segment.

Winner: Mazda.

Practicality

Honda: The CR-V has a larger boot opening than the CX-5, and more storage too. Honda claims 556 litres of cargo space with five people on-board, compared to the Mazda's 403 litres.

Mazda: The CX-5's shapely form hurts its cargo capacity, yet makes you less like to wince while loading it up. A clever cargo blind that lifts up with the tailgate is fitted as standard with the CX-5, but an optional extra for the Honda.

Winner: Mazda.

Verdict

Honda: The Honda looks and feels less like a poverty-pack special than the basic CX-5, helped by its alloy wheels and more pleasant interior. The Honda's small price advantage and larger storage strength will appeal to pragmatic buyers, while the low-tech driveline and blunt dynamics lose marks with drivers.

Mazda: The Mazda's superior driving experience and class-leading fuel economy have been enough to make it the compact SUV of choice for many buyers. Honda has created a worthy adversary but the CX-5 retains its position as the best compact SUV on sale.